Making Memories (And Drinks)

By Christine Johnson

There are a lot of “holidays” that seem as though they were created by Hallmark just to sell cards and make people feel guilty if they forget to honor that day. September has a special day on the calendar that truly is one that should not be missed. September 10th is Grandparents Day.

Grandparents Day officially became a national holiday when President Jimmy Carter signed off on the day in 1978. It is meant to show the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. I never forget this holiday. I have been blessed to have two grandmothers who have touched my life in endless ways. One lived to be 100, and the other still amazing at the age of 102. There is an incredible bond that is shared with that many years together. My daughter is fortunate enough to have the love and support of my parents – her grandparents, as well as being a part of her great grandmothers’ lives for most of her life.

I look back on the days at my grandmothers with love, laughter and many lessons learned. I spent a lot of time growing up at my one grandmother’s house and have so many incredible memories of that time in my life. My uncle and aunt lived next door, we cooked together, took trips to the store, and shared family dinners and so much laughter. There was an actual worn path in the grass between the two homes! When I think about how small the houses were and all the family that came and went, it shows you don’t need big spaces to bond and create a lifetime of memories. One thing from those years I have always treasured is my grandmother sending me handwritten letters.

Always able to express what she was feeling and giving me support and the right words along the way. I have kept many of those letters, and was taught by my grandmothers and my mother how important it was to receive a note or letter where someone took the time to put their feelings on paper by hand. I have passed that custom on to my daughter. Taking the time to send a thank you note is a lost art today. One that was created by an older generation and still appreciated by them now. I think this may be where my love of writing began.

Our grandparents live on the East Coast, so we don’t see them very often, but I cherish the excitement on my daughter’s face when she knows we are visiting them. We just hang out, talk, share meals and go shopping, but it’s the time together that creates those life-long memories.

Thank you to all the grandparents who are part of the fabric of our lives. We should never forget the strength, wisdom, and guidance they can provide. They have created traditions for our families and given the experience of their years for us to carry on. Not everything is meant to be shiny and new… some of the best things are older, wiser and more traditional. So, in keeping with honoring our enchanting grandparents, I am introducing you to the Sidecar. This drink is said to have been created in 1921 at the Ritz Paris. Named after a motorcycle sidecar owned by a gentleman in Paris, and later made popular in London. Take the time to share this elegant drink with a grandparent you love.

Sidecar Cocktail Mixology

Ingredients

2 ounces cognac

1 ounce lemon juice

1 ounce triple sec

Mixology

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add all ingredients. Shake well until the shaker becomes almost frozen. Strain liquid into a martini or coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or Luxardo cherry and enjoy!